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Getting started with Epson 3880 printer

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by joesb1 on Thu May 02, 2013 9:57 am

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I just purchased a Epson 3880 printer. Actually got as a gift from my wife. I have printed a few photos on a regular printer but not an actual photo printer. How do I get started setting up the printer. I don't know what I don't know. Where do I start? Any basic tips would be appreciated.

Joe Barramco

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by dbolt on Thu May 02, 2013 10:14 am

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Eric Chan is a good place to start.
http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/

Have fun with your new printer. I'd add: buy 25 sheets of any paper you like. Select from the less expensive ones. Print away. You'll get the hang of it very quickly.

Douglas Bolt
Maryland, USA
http://dougboltphotography.com

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by Royce Howland on Thu May 02, 2013 10:53 am

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Eric also wrote a couple of printing primers for NSN that have good starting info. Some of the Photoshop specifics may be a bit dated by now, due to software upgrades, but the underlying principles are all still valid.

http://www.naturescapes.net/articles/te ... -printing/
http://www.naturescapes.net/articles/te ... er-prints/

Royce Howland

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by E.J. Peiker on Thu May 02, 2013 1:13 pm

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Well I would start with thoroughly reading the Epson manual. Then move on to the links above.

E.J. Peiker http://www.EJPhoto.com
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by Steve Cirone on Wed May 08, 2013 1:09 pm

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The quick set up manual is fine.

I then run a quick nozzle check.

In Photoshop, set your image dimensions in inches and set the dpi to 300. Run a test print on a size that is like 4X6 and see how you like it. Tweak your photoshop settings as per what you want in terms of brightness darkness and color, if need be.

I find it easier to stick with Epson ink and papers, as they match up with the machine well.

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by E.J. Peiker on Wed May 08, 2013 5:37 pm

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360 is the correct setting for Epson printers not 300. Visually I doubt taht anybody could tell the difference but Epson runs in multiples of 360. Some other companies do use 300.

E.J. Peiker http://www.EJPhoto.com
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